A FLINTSHIRE charity has helped another unemployed person find a permanent job after taking part in a work placement programme.

Phill Wrench, 38, is the ninth of 16 people who have taken part in Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) placements provided by Refurbs Flintshire, the furniture and household appliances re-use charity, and paid for by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Phill, from Gronant, has started work as an administrator with the PHS Group, a leading provider of workplace services, at its Buckley facility.

Phill, who has a long-term partner and two young children, said: “The ILM project with Refurbs Flintshire is one of the best things I have ever done in my life.ŠIt has given me back my self-confidence and my motivation, which were at an all-time low just before I started the ILM project.

“In my opinion, it really is one of the best schemes as the ILM co-ordinator and all the staff at Refurbs Flintshire help, guide and encourage you along the 16-week placement.

“I am so thrilled that I am now employed.”

Catriona McLaren, ILM co-ordinator/supervisor with Refurbs, said: “When the ILM participants join the work placement they are very despondent about the employment situation in the area and nationally.

“But with the support and funding from Refurbs Flintshire and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust they can see hope and start to work towards their goals of unsupported employment in the industry of their choice.”

The £91,000 ILM programme was open to people from former coal-mining communities in Flintshire who had been out of work for six months and draws to a close in September. Refurbs has organised a number of other successful ILM schemes over the past few years, funded by the EU. Another EU-funded programme will be starting this month.